Measuring apparatus



Oct. 27, 1936. 'c. G BLlss MEASURING APPARATUS Original Filed May 2, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 A 0t.27,193s. G, Buss R@ 29,141

MEASURING APPARATUS Original FiledMay `2, 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INvNVToR CA R1. G'. BL/ss ATTORN EY C. G. BLISS MEASUING APPARATUS Oct. 27, 1936.

Original Filed May 2, 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INV-ENTOR BY C'ARL GBL/Ss @m4/mmv ATTORNEY vOet. 27, 1936. c. G. BLlss MEASURING APPARATUS Original Filed May 2, 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 LIE INVENTOR BY CARL @CEL/.ss

@x @www1/n ATTORNEY Reima out 27, 193s UNlYTED STATES vPATENTIY oFrlcE mesne assignments, to Standard Steel Works, Los Angeles, a corporation of California original No. 1,826,919, una october 13, 1931,

Serial No. 449,111, May 2, 1930.

Application forrcissue Novcmbers, Y1932, Serial No. 641,808

u claims. (ol. 249-445 My invention relates to measuring apparatus, and particularly for measuring designated quantities of materials or substances from dinerent containers, or for measuring and mixing ingredients from certain containers in designated proportions.

In paving plants, as well as in many other industries, it is desirable and essential that the ingredients of the mixes or products manufactured or prepared be combined in designated proportions to obtain the desired results from the mixes or products. Heretoior'e the weighing out, or otherwise measuring of the ingredients, or the proportioning of the same, in the'mixes or prod- `ucts, has been left entirely, or substantially entirely, to the operator or operators o1 y the plantsv or apparatus and `to his or their alertness, skill, ability and integrity. Asa result, in many int stances, inferior mixesA or products have been manufactured or prepared by reason of the eliminationv or omission of certain ingredients, through shortage or otherwise,l or by reason of substitutions of improper or undesirable ingredients, be-

- cause of shortage of such ingredients or otherwise. Such short weighting or measuring of in -gredients, or the elimination of, some of the ingredients, or the substitution of other ingredients in the .mixes or products, is verycommon in the production of paving materials, or other 30 similar materials, even though theoperation of the plant preparing such materials is closely supervised. L y

The objects of my invention are: first, to provide a measuring apparatus which will eliminate' the defects of former systems of measuring and weighing out substances or ingredients for mixes or products to be prepared according to desig-f nated speciiications, and to provide a measuring apparatus which will reduce to a minimum the 40 short weighing or measuring of the ingredients making up certain mixes or products, or the short weighing o1' batches of such mixes or products, or the substitutions of diil'erent ingredients or substances and which will,- as a whole, eliminate to a large extent the human element usually involved in the measuring of quantities of certain substances or products; second', to provide a measuring apparatus whereby diierent ingredients or substances contained in different storage containers are weighed out or measured out in predetermined amounts or "proportions and discharged in sequence on or into a common receiver or receptacle; and, further,` to provide such an apparatus inA which the ingredients or substances from the 'diil'erent bins or containers are vaccurately and quickly weighed or measured `out according to -standard units of measure;

third, to provide an apparatus of this class whereby the ingredients or substances in the diflerent storage containers are drawn oil or removed in sequence and in such manner that the ingredients or substances cannot be drawn oft or re moved from other containers until the full predetermined amount is iirst removed from one. container from which a portion oi the designated quantity is removed and particularly by means whereby all but one of the discharge control means of the containers or bins are locked until the designated amount of substance is discharged from that one container, thus providing an apparatus which is so constructed and arranged that all of the discharge control means are operated during each cycle before anyl of the discharge means can again be operated; and, further, to provide an apparatus of this class in which the discharge of the ingr'eclieri'it or substance from one bin orcontainer is automatically begun as the discharge of the foregoing bin in a predetermined series is concluded or `nearly concluded; fourth, to provide an apparatus of this class in which'the measured quantities of substances or ingredients from the different containers are discharged into a measuring receptacle in which the substances or ingredients discharged thereinto are measured and by which measuring thereof the discharge of the substances or ingredients to provide a'novelV measure regulating means whereby deiinite predetermined measured, quantities of substances are removed from particular storage containers during each cycle; eighth, to provide a novel measure regulator whereby the quantity or amount of material or substance taken" from the individual containers, as well as the total amount of the material or substance taken from al1 of thencontainers at one time or during rone cycle may be weighed or otherwise measured, and such means which controls the removal or the gate controlling the removal of material or substance from the several containers in such manner that the designated or predetermined amounts of substances or materials are removed therefrom; ninth, to provide a measure regulator of this class which also controls the nal dumping of the ingredients or substances after they have been measured out and discharged into other receivers; tenth, to provide a measure regulator of this class whereby the quantities of substances or`materials lto be measured out from each of the storage containers may be varied as desired by authorized persons to vary the proportions or specifications of the y containers; twelfth, to provide novel gravity controlled discharge gates and novel means for opening such gates under predetermined conditions; thirteenth, to provide measuring apparatus of this class which lmay be so modified that the discharge gates of the several storage containers may be closed manually, if desired, and thereby stopping the operation of the apparatus, but in which none of the gates of the other containers may be opened until the first mentioned gate is again opened and the full predetermined quantity of material or substance first discharged from such rst storage container; fourteenth, to progvide a novelly constructed mechanism for operating the main discharge or batch dumpins site, so that the same may be positively held in a closed position, when the bin controlled thereby is being filled, and yet one which may be easily manually opened when the bin is filled; fifteenth, to provide as a whole a novelly constructed, arranged and operated measuring apparatus of the class mentioned; and, sixteenth, to provide a' measuring apparatus of this class which is very simple and economical of construction, proportionate to its manifold functions, one which is durable, reliable, emcient, one which may be easily operated and controlled, as well as adjusted, and which will not readily deteriorate or get out of order. Y

With these and other objects in view, as will appear hereinafter, my invention consists of certain novel features of construction, combination and arrangement of parts and portions, as will be hereinafter described in detail and particularly set forth in the appended claims, reference being had to the accompanying drawings and to the characters of reference thereon which form a part of this application in which:

Figure l is a fragmentary front elevational view of the storage containers and measuring receptacle or weigh hopper of a paving plant incorporating my` measuring apparatus in one form of construction; Fig. 2 is, a fragmentary `sectional view in plan, taken at '2 2 of Fig. 1,

showing a link connection between the weigh hopper and the weighing scale; Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the interior operating mechanism in diagrammatic form of a weighing scale, certain parts being shown in elevation to facilitate the illustration; Fig. 4 is a fragmentary rear elevational view of such paving plant incorporating my invention; Fig. 5 is a front or face view of the face of the weighing scale showing adjustable contacts thereon; Fig'. 6

is an enlarged fragmentary view of one of the adjustable contacts: Fig. '7 is lan enlarged trans@ verse sectional view of the index arm of the weighing scale, the section being taken through 1-1 of Fig. 5; Fig. 8 is a fragmentary elevational view of the paving plant incorporating my invention, with the view taken at 8 8 of Fig. l; Fig. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view of the measuring receptacle or weigh hopper; Fig. l0 is an enlarged transverse sectional view through the face of the weighing scale, showing primarily the mounting and adjustment of the electric contacts thereon; Fig. 11 is a sectional elevationalA view teken et n n of Fig. s,shewing the means for controlling the gatesof the measuring receptacle or weigh hopper; Fig. 12 is a fragment'ary sectional elevational view of my measuring apparatus in a slightly modified` form of construction whereby the gates for the storage containers may be closed manually; Fig. 13 is a wiring diagram in one form of the electric circuit y of one form of my measuring apparatus; and,

Fig. 14 is a 1ongitudinal sectional view of an electrically operated hydraulic device for opening `the discharge gates of the storage containers, or for permitting the manual opening thereof.

Like characters of reference refer to similar parts andportions throughout the views of the drawings.

.My measuring apparatus herein disclosed is adapted for many purposes as hereinabove set forth for weighing or otherwise measuring ingredients, substances or materials.' but such measuring apparatus is herein disclosed as specically applied to the measuring of ingredients or materials in paving plants. The illustrations and description vof my measuring apparatus will therefore be conned herein to its application to paving plants.

In certain types of paving plants, the ingredients or materials to be mixed for the batches, are contained in separate storage con-4 tainers, designated in part as containers I, 2, I, l, and 5. the containers I, 2, 3 and '4 being here shown as divided compartments of one general storage bin, and the whole as supported upon a frame 6. In these 'containers are usually contained (a) sandpassing through two hundred to ten mesh screen, (b) Number four rock passing through one quarter inch mesh screen and retained on ten meshscreen, (c) Number three rock passing one half inch to five eighths inch mesh screen and retained on one fourth inch mesh screen, (d) Number three rock passing .one

inch to one` and one fourth inch mesh screen and retained on one` half inch to ve eighths inch mesh screen, and (e) dust, or ground Vhard rock, passing for the vmost part` two hundred mesh screen.

At the lower ends of the storage bins or `containers I, 2, 3 and l are provided, respectively,

discharge control means or gates 1, 8, il andr III,

which, in this instance, are horizontally slidable t zol ceptacle I6 converges downwardly and-is provided at the lower side with a discharge openin'g which is normally closed by a pair of gates charge opening and with their free edges in sub- ,gates lil.

ystantially abutting relation by a pair of chains I8 connected to each of the gates and toa uni--l tary chain I9 which is connected at its upper end to a crank arnr mounted at the middle portion of the receptacle I6 on shafts 2| which are connected by the crank arm 20. The crank arm is bifurcated and permits the chain I6 to-be drawn slightly to one side of the centerl of the shafts opposite the side to which'the crank arm 20 normally swings for opening or releasing the Thus, the gates I1 are held in their closed positions by reason of the Weights thereof 'and the weight of the materials in the measuring receptacleas shown in Fig. 9. To the extended end of the rock shaft 2| which extends` to the front of the machine. is secured a crank lever 22 for releasing the gates il for dumping the contents oi' the receptacle I6. To the shaft 2| may be also secured a collar 23 having an extended lug 23a vwhich is adapted to engage a `stop 24 on the receptacle i6 for limiting the counterclockwise movement of the shaft 2| for 'preventing the crank arm 20 from being rotated beyond its gatey locking position, as shown in Figs, l and 8.

The measuring'receptacle I6 is yleldably supported on a yieldable scale -irame which consists, in this instance, of a pair of parallel rock shafts 3| positioned at the opposite sides of the measuring receptacle and parallel thereto, a pair `of fulcrum brackets on each of the rock shafts and extended toward the receptacle, eye bolts 33 supporting the flulcrum brackets intermediate their ends on horizontal members 6a of the frame 6, and supporting hooks 34 secured-to the opposite outer sides of the receptacle |,6 and pivotally connected at their upper ends tol the inner ends of the fulcrum brackets 32, that is, to the ends of the fulcrum brackets adjacent the receptacle. To the forward end of each of the rock shafts 3| is secured one end of a main scale lever 36, the main levers of each of the rock shafts beingvpositioned in front of the receptacle |6 and extended with their free ends toward and adjacent each other. The adjacent free ends oi' the main levers 36 are pivotally connected to one end of a fulcrum lever 3 6 which is pivotally moimted intermediate its ends on th'e front horizontal member of the frame 6. The opposite end of the fulcrum lever 36- is linked to one end of a second fulcrumlever y31 which is also pivotal- 1y supported intermediate its ends in the frame 6. I'he opposite end of the second fulcrum lever is connected to the scale actuating rod 33' which extends upwardly into the scale housing 39 which is supported in any convenientmanner on the a sector 46 pivoted within the housing and having one arm 46a pivotally and slidably connected to the cam 46 and having concentric with -its pivotal axis av quadrant gear 46h which meshes with and is adapted to rotate the pinion 41 mounted on thepointer or index shaft 48 to the forward end of which is secured a pointer or index arm 49 which is adapted to swing over a -dial at the front side of the scale housing 39.

The measure indicator or weighing scale described above alsoserves as a measure regulator, that is, as a means for regulating and primarily controlling the removal or discharge of a certain or predetermined quantity of materiai, substance, or ingredient from each of the storage bins or containers'. For this purpose thereis provided in connection with the scale and primarily with the face thereof a plurality of electrical contacts A, B, C, D, E, F and G. The

contacts-A; B, C, D, E and F are arcuate and are arranged in the same ,circle concentric with the pivotal. axis of the pointer or index arm 49.

Spaced radially inwardly from these contacts is Vbe removed from one of the storage containers,

as indicated on the dial of the scale when the pointer or index arm is moved thereover. The gates of the several storage containers, or other means for controlling the removal or discharge of substances therefrom, are controlled by electrical mechanism the circuit of which is controlled by the contacts on theface of the scale dial and the movable contact bar 49a at the outer end of the pointer or index arm of the scale. said contact bar extending from the central ...contact G outwardly and contactingv with o-ne of the other contacts. The contacts A, B, C and D are arcuately adjustable so as to enlarge or decrease the arc of the contact over which the y pointer or index arm is adapted to ride, for increasing or decreasing the quantity of a certain material or ingredient in the batch, the arcuate extent of the contacts being determined from the weight scale on the dial or-face of the scale.

-Each of the contacts A, B, C, D and E con-V sists essentially of an arcuate base 6| in and on which are -arcuately adjustably mounted a pair of arcuate contacts 62 and 63 which are mountedl in arcuate grooves on the base 5| and are adapted to be extended with one end a. considerable distance beyond thev ends of the base. The contacts 62 and 63 are secured in their shifted or adjusted positions relative to the base 6| by .adjusting screws 64. The base 6| is slidably mounted in a circularv arc on an electrically insulating base which forms`the dial 60 of the weighing scale. In the dial member 6|)v is provided a long arcuate channel 60a over which the adjustable contacts are mounted, the bases 6| of these adjustable contacts being provided withA laterally extended flanges 6|a. which ride in corresponding grooves in the edges of the dial member formingthe arcuate channel 60a. A portion of the front side of the dial member is removable, as indicated by 63h', so that any one of the adjustable contacts may be removed when desired. The adjustable contacts may be adjusted, as a whole, relative to the dial member by spur gear pinions 66. which are carried on the bases 5| and which are adapted to mesh with a main ring gear 61 at' the edge of the dial member having the arcuate channel 60a therein. The gear 66 is secured to a shaft 68 to the outer end of which is secured a worm gear 69 which is adapted to be rotated by a worm 60 to the outer end of the shaft of which is secured a knob 6 I for rotating the worm and adjusting the adjustable contacts relative to the dial member 5|) and the weight scale thereon. Each of the bases of the adjustable contacts, as well as the contact F, are connected to electric wires extending from the bases through the arcuate channel 50a in the dial member into the interior of the housing 39 of the scale.

The gates 1, 9, 9 and III are normally held in closed positions by weights 1 I, 12,.13 and 14 which are reciprocally mounted in a vertical direction on vertical guides 15 supported on the frame `6.

Each of the weights is provided with upwardly extending lugs which are pivotally connected to rearwardly extending arms of bellcranks 11, the other or upwardly extending arms of which are pivotally connected by links 19 to ythe several gates. Each of the weight carrying rods 16 is connected to one of the hydraulic operators H, I, J and K which are also supported on the frame 6 directly above each of the weights 1 I, 12, 13 and 14, respectively.

, The hydraulic operator, as shown in Fig. 14 of the drawings, consists of a tank-or cylinder III' mounted on the frame 6, a piston 62 reciprocally mounted therein and having push rods 93 secured thereto at the upper side and extended through the upper end of the cylinder, a cross head or yoke 64 secured to the upper ends of the.

push rods and to the ends or diametrically opposite sides of whichn are secured the rods 16 for carrying the weights, a motor 86 mounted at the upperend of the cylinder and provided with a splined shaft extending from the motor downwardly into the cylinder and through thepiston or plunger, and an impeller 81 mounted in the piston on the splined shaft `of the motor for causing the liquid in the cylinder above the pisf -ton to be forced downwardly, when the motor is energized, to build up a liquid pressure between the piston and the bottom of the cylinder or tank which causes the piston to move upwardly and thus raising the weights and simultaneously opening theA gates against the force of the weights. e

The structure shown in Fig. 8 is entirely automatic, that is, as the weight of a particular gate is raised, the gate is also opened. In the jmodi'- ned structure shown in Fig. '12, the bellcranks 11 are notl so positively connected to the weights or the rods 16, but the rods 16 in this instance are only provided with lugs or cross members 16a which serve as stops, when the weights-are in their lower positions, to prevent the opening of the'gates. When the hydraulic operatorslare actuated and the weights raised to their upper positionsthe lugs or cross members 16a are raised clear oi the bellcranks 11 and lpermit the same 'to be tilted and the gates to be'opened manually I by the levers II, I2, I3 and I4. The gates may thus be manually closed also when desired. But It will be here noted, and as hereafter more specifically set forth, that a gate of a particular bin or storage container cannot bel actuated whenv the predetermined amount of material is removedk from the particular bin or container.` It will be noted that the manual feature of the structure as disclosed in Fig. 12 may be embodied in the struc ture shown in Fig. 8 by removing the eye portion of the short arm of the bell crank lever 1'1 of the latter structure and substituting the corresponding portion ofthe structure shown in Fig. 12.

The dust container 5 is here shown as separate -from the main bin and is not provided with a electric motor 94 which may be connected -with the feed screw in any desired manner.

The operation of ithermotors of thehydraulic operators and the motor 94 is controlled by the amount of material inthe measuringreceptacle I6, whichmaterial causes the receptacle to be lowered a predetermined amount which in turn causes the index arm 49 of the scale to be rotated about its pivotal axis-connecting the contact G with one of the contacts A, B,C, D, E and F, the contacts A, B, C and D being connected to the motors of the hydraulic motors. while the contact E' is connected to the motor 94. It will be noted that the electric current to the. motors is not directly controlled by the contacts on the scale dial, but tli'e same are controlled by electro-magv netic switches 96 which are directly controlled by the current passing through they contacts on the scalev dial. 2

.When the predetermined amount of material is removed or discharged from each of the storage f containers, the pointer or index arm l4i) engages the contact -F which energizes an electro-magnet Il and is adapted to attract an armaturev I 02,

provided with a locking lug Il)2a which is-nore mally forced by springs |03 into engagement with" a quadrant I04,and, when the gates I1 of the l receptacle I6 are closed, into a notch IIll4a of the quadrant for locking the receptacle "dumping crank 22 in immovable position. Thus, the dumpthe pointer to begin a new cycle of operation, 1 A

have provided a switch III in the line connected with the contact Gf This switch is ycontrolled by the dumping crank 2,2. For this purpose the dumping crank 22, of the shaft 2|, is provided with an arm I I2 to the extended end of which is connected a link II3 which is adapted to open the switch III. Such connection, however, is preferably not direct, but through a dashpot l I4. In this instance, the end of the rod II3 opposite its connection with the arm` I I2 is slidably mounted on a rod IIE which is connected to a yoke II6 connected to the plunger rod of the dashp'ot and the switch III. At the outer end of the rodrI I5 is provided a collar II1 between which and the end of the link II3 slidably mounted thereon there is mounted a compression spring IIB. The dashpot retards the opening and closing of the switch III primarily for holding the switch open until the pointer or index arm is back to its zero position. 1 I

In addition to the control of the weight of the contents in the measuring receptacle, I have provided a counter |2| in connection with the measuring receptacle so that a record may be made of the batches or mixes discharged therefrom. In this instance, such counter is diagrammatically shown in a housing |23 which encloses the elec-- tro-magnet lill and the quadrant |04. The counter I2I .may be provided with an arm |22 which may be periodically depressed as the armature |02 is withdrawn from the quadrant. Thus, the only record permissible is the dumping oflull charges of the measuring receptacle. y

'Ihe operation of the measuring apparatus is briefly as follows:

The amount of the ingredients of a particular mix or batch must rst be determined. Then the adjustable contacts A, B, C, D and E are extended or. contracted circumferentially until the angle the point of contact 49h, shown in Fig. 7. 'I'he contact F is then spaced a similar distance from the adjacent contact E. 'I'he cover 39a of the scale housing is then locked, by any suitable lock Ill, so as to prevent unauthorized persons from changing the adjustment. Then by throwing the main switch Ill, shown in Fig. 13, the electromagnetic switch 96 connectedto the contact A is -energized which energizes the motor of the hydraulic operator H which opens the corresponding gate 1 and permits a certain portion of the con; tents of the container I to be discharged into the measuring receptacle I6. When this receptacle hasA increased in weight corresponding to the length of the arc over whichthe contact A extends, the electrical connection with the pointer 49 is broken by reason of the movement of the pointer I9 corresponding to the weight of the rei ceptacle I6. The motorof the hydraulic operator H is shut ofi permitting the corresponding weight 'Il to force the piston therein downwardly and .the oil or other liquid through the ports past the impeller into the upperl portion of the tank or cylinder. Substantially simultaneously therewith, the motor of the hydraulic operator I is energized when the pointer 49 engages the contact B. 'Thus substantially simultaneously with the closing of the gate 1, the gate I is opened. In the same manner all of the gates are opened and closed. When the pointer jumps from the contact D to the contact E, the-motor 94 is energized rotating the feed screw 92 which feeds a certain amount of dust into the measuring receptacle, this motor 94 being again shut oil', when the required amount of dust is discharged into the receptacle i6. When the predetermined amount of material is discharged into the measuring receptacle -from ceptacle I6 to be dumped. Such dumping of the measuring receptacle opens the switch III and permits the pointer I9 to return to its zero position as the contents of the measuring receptacle are dumped. -As soon as the pointerreach'es the zero position, or shortly thereafter, and the switch III is again closed by the manual closing of the dumping ygates of the receptacle I6, the measuring apparatus is started in a new cycle of operation. Thus, the whole operation is automatic except as to the dumping of the measuring receptacle I6 which, for the purposes of control of paving plants, is preferably not made automatic. l y

Though I have shown a particular construction, combination and arrangement of parts and portions of my measuring apparatus, and acertain modication thereof, and a certain modification thereof to paving plants, I do vnot wish to be limited to this particular construction, combination and arrangement,nor to the modification, nor to the particular application, but desire to include in the scope of my invention the contric circuits each having a contact, one for each of the containers and each connected with one of the control means, and a movable contact, the movement of the latter contact being controlled by the amount of substance in the receptacle, said movable contact being adapted sequentially to engage the contacts foractuating in sequence the separate control means.

2. In a measuring apparatus, storage containers, a measuring receptacle adapted to receive measured quantities of the contents of the conl tainers, separate means for controlling the discharge of each of said containers, a plurality of contacts, one for each of the containers and each connected with one of the control means, a movable contact. the movement of the latter contact being controlled by the amount of substance in the receptacle, said movable contact being adapted sequentially to engage the contacts for actuating in sequence the separate control means, means for discharging the contents of the measuring re-f l ceptacle, and means for normally locking the latter means until the measuring receptacle is lled to the designated capacity.

3. Ina measuring apparatus, storage containl ers, a measuring receptacle2 adapted to receive measured quantities of the contents of the containers, separate means for controlling the discharge of each of said containers, a plurality of contacts, one for each of thel containers and each connected with one of the control means, a movable contact, the movement of the latter contact being controlled bythe amount of substance in the receptacle, said movable contact being adapted sequentiallyto engage the contacts for actuating in sequence'the separate controlmeans, means for discharging the contents of the vmeasuring receptacle, means for normally locking the latter means until the measuring receptacle is filled to the designated capacity, and another contact adapted to be engaged by the movable contact and connected to the last mentioned means for releasing the same when the movable contact engages the last mentioned contact.- 4. In a measuring apparatus, storage containers, a measuring receptacle adapted `to receive measured quantities of the contents of the containers, separate means for controlling the dis--y charge of each of said containers, ameasure inindicating on the indicator the contents oi thereceptacle, means operatively and separately connecting the indicator with each of the controlmeans for regulating the separate control means by the positions of the indicator, means for discharging the contents oi' the measuring receptacle, and means for normally locking the latter means until the measuring receptacle is iilled to the designated capacity.

6. In a measuringapparatus, storage containers, a measuring receptacle adapted to receive measured quantities of -the contents of the containers, separate means for controlling the discharge of each oi' said containers, a measure indicator, means operatively connecting the measuring receptacle with the measure indicator for indicating on the indicator the contents of the receptacle, means operatively and separately connecting the indicator with each of the control means for regulating the separate control means by the`position of the indicator, means for discharging 'the contents of the measuring receptacle, means tor normally locking the latter means until the measuring receptacle is filled to the designated capacity, and means connected to the last 'mentioned'y means and adapted to be engaged by the indicator for releasing. said locking means when the measuring receptacle'is i'llled to its designated capacity.

'1. In a measuring apparatus, storag'econtainers. a measuring receptacle adapted to receive measured quantities of the contents of the containers, said quantities measured according to standard units of measure, separate means for controlling the discharge oi' each of said` containers, a standard unit measure regulator, hav ing a movable regulating member, means opera- V.tively connecting the measuring receptacle with the movable regulating member of the measure regulator for shifting said member in vfixed proportion to the contents of the receptacle, and means operatively connecting the regulator with each o! the control means for regulating the separa control means by the positions oi' the reg-v ulating member.

8. In a measuring apparatus, storage containers, a measuring receptacle adapted to receive measured quantities of the contents of the containers, separate means i'or controlling the discharge of each of said containers, a measure regulator, having a movable regulating member, means operatively connecting the measuring receptacle with the movable regulating member of the measure regulator for sluiting said member inI proportion to the contents of the receptacle, means operatively connectingthe regulator with each oi the control means for regulating the sep- 'arate control means by the positions of the regulating member, means for discharging the-contents o! the measuring receptacle, and means for nonnally locking the latter means until the measuring receptacle is filled to the designatedrcapacity.

9. In a measuring apparatus, storage containers, a measuring receptacle adapted to receive measured quantities of the contents oi the cony tainers, separate means for controlling the discharge oi each of said containers, a measure regulator, having a movable regulating member, means operatively connecting the measuring receptacle withY the movable regulating member of the measure regulator for shifting said member in proportion to the contents of the receptacle, means operatively connecting the regulator with each of the control ymeans for regulating the separate control means by the positions of the regulating member, means for discharging the contents of the measuring receptacle, means for normally locking the latter means until the measuring receptacle is tllled to the designated capacity, and means operatively connected to the locking means and adapted to be engaged by said mov able regulating member for releasing the locking means when the measuring receptacle is filled to its designated capacity.

10. In a measuring apparatus, storage containers, a measuring receptacle adapted to re` ceive measured quantities of the contents oi' the containers, said quantities measured according to standard units of measure, separate means for controlling the discharge of each of said'contain:rs, standard-unit measure regulating means operatively connected to the measuring receptacle and controlled by and in xed proportion to the quantity of substance in the receptacle, and means operatively` connecting the regulating means with each of the control means for regulating the separate control means through the regulating means by and in accordance with the quantity of substance in the receptacle.

11. In a measuring apparatus, storage containers, a measuring receptacle adapted'to receive measured quantities of the contents of the containers, separate means for controlling the discharge of each of said containers, measure regulating-means operatively connected to the measuring receptacle and controlledeby the quantity of substance'in the receptacle, means operatively connecting the regulating means with each oi' the control means for regulating the separate control means through the regulating means by the quantity o! substance in the receptacle, means for discharging the contents of the measuring receptacle, and means for normally locking the latter means until the measuring receptacle is nlledto the designated capacity.

12. In a measuring apparatus, storage containers, a measuring receptacle adapted to receive measured quantities of the contents of the containers, separate means for controlling the discharge of each of said containers, measure regulating means operatively connected to the measuring receptacle and controlled by the quantity of substance in the receptacle, means operatively connecting the regulating means with each -or the con ol means torregulating the separate control metis through the regulating means by the quantity of substance in the receptacle, means for discharging the contents of the measuring receptacle, means for normally locking the latter means until the measuring receptacle is filled rto the ldesignated capacity, and means operatively connected tov the locking means and adapted to be operatively connected to the measure regulating `means when the measuringv re- Y 20,141 ceptacle is lilled to its designated capacity `for* releasing the locking means.

13. In a measuring apparatus, storage containers, separate discharge gates for each of the containers, a measuring receptacle adaptedto receive measured quantities oi' the contents ofv the containers, said quantities measured according to standard units of measure; separate means for controlling each of the gates, standard unit measure regulating means operatively connected to the measuring receptacle and controlled by and in xed proportion to the quantity of substance in the receptacle, and means operatively connecting the regulatingmeans with each of the control means for the gates for controlling the gates by and in accordance with the quantity of substance in the receptacle.

14. In a measuring apparatus, storage containers, a measuring receptacle vadapted to receive measured quantities of the contents of the containers, separate means for controlling the jdischarge'of each of the containers, a-measure indicator having a movable index arm, a plurality of spaced contacts in'connection with the indicator and adapted to be sequentially engaged by the index arm thereof, there being provided one contact for each of the containers and each connected with one of the control means, the movement of the index arm being controlled by the amount of substance in the measuring receptacle,

.contractible contacts in connection with the indicator and adapted to be sequentially engaged rby the index arm thereof,'there being provided one contact foreachof the containers and each condischarge of each of the containers, a measure indicator having a movable index arm, a plurality of spaced contacts in connection with the indicator and adapted to be sequentially engaged by the index arm thereof, therebeing provided one contact for each of the containers and each connected with one of the control means, the movement of the index arm being controlled by the amount voi? substance in the measuring receptacle, each of the separate control means being actuated when its respective contact is engaged by the index arm, means fordischarging the contents of the measuring receptacle, means for normally locking the latter means until the measuring receptacle is iiiled to its designated capacity, and another contact in connection with said measure indicator and adapted to be engaged by the index arm in sequence after they engagement of the arm withV the rst mentioned contacts for releasing the locking means when the receptacle is lled to its designated capacity.

17. In a `measuring apparatus, storage containers, separate discharge gates for each of the containers, a measuring receptacle positioned below the-storage containers and adapted to receive measured quantities of materials from the containers, weights normally closing said gates,

ranged about the pivotal axis of the index arm and adapted sequentially to be engaged by the index arm thereof, one contact being connected to each of the motors, each of the gates being adapted to be opened in sequence when the corresponding contact is engaged by the index arm, and manual means in connection with said Weighing scale fordiseharging the contents of the measuring receptacle. l l

18. In a` measuring apparatus, storage containers, discharge control means for each oi.' the containers, measuring means Ior said containers, said discharge control means being operatively connected with the measuring means and controlled by and in accordance with the quantity of substance discharged from ,the containers and when measured by the measuring means, and a receiver for receiving" in absolutely predetermined sequence the measured substances from said containers.

19. In a measuring apparatus, storage containers, discharge control means for each of the containers, means for controlling the last mentioned means, standard unit measure regulating means for actuating the last mentioned means when the predetermined quantity of substance is discharged from the containers, means inconnec-l tion with the measuring means for actuating the discharge control means of each container in predetermined sequence and a receiver for receiving in said predetermined sequence the measured substances of said containers.

20. In a measuring apparatus; storage containers, means for controlling the discharge of each of said containers, standard yunit measuring means, and means connecting the measuring means with the container discharge control means oi' each container and so constructed and arranged that the discharge control means areoperated in predetermined sequence.

21. In a measuring apparatus. storage containers, means for controlling the-discharge of each oi said containers, standard unit measuring means, means operatively connecting the measuring means with the container-discharge control means of each container for actuating the latter means, and a common receptacle for receiving in predetermined sequence measured quantities of the substances oi said containers.

22. In a measuringV apparatus, ystorage containers, means for controlling the discharge of leach of said containers, alcommon 'receptacle connected' with said containers and for receivingmeasured quantities of substances therefrom,

, and means connected with the container distrol means for operating the same and stopping the'discharge of the substances of the containers, a common receptacle for receiving measured quantities of the substances from said containers, and means operatively connected with the discharge control means for operating the latter in absolutely predetermined sequence.

24. In an apparatus of the class described, a receptacle having a discharge gate pivoted at the lower end thereof, a scale supporting said receptacle, a lever, a ilexible member connecting the free end of the lever with the free edge oi the gate. a stop for limiting the shifting or the leverslightly beyond dead center for holding said gate ina closed position, means for locking said lever, and means in connection with the scale for controlling the locking of the lever.

25. In an apparatus of Vthe class described, -a plurality of containers, means i'or controlling the discharge of the containers, a single common receiver for the substance of the containers, means for measuring the substances discharged from the containers, and means actuated by the latter means for causing automatic sequential opening and closing o1' said discharge control means. A

26. In an apparatus of the class described, a

plurality o! containers, means for controlling the discharge of the containers, a common receive/r for the substance of the containers, means for causing automatic sequential opening and closing oi'said discharge control means, and means i'or interrupting the automatic action and allowing also manual control of said discharge control means.

27. In an apparatus oi' the class described, a.

plurality of containers, a measuring receptacle adapted to receive measured quantities of the contents of the containers, said quantities measured according to standard units of measure, means for controlling the discharge of the containers, and means operatively connected with the measuring receptacle for .causing automatic sequential opening and closing of the discharge .control means by and when said quantities are received by said receptacle.

28. In an apparatus of lthe class described, a

plurality of containers, a measuring receptacle adapted to receive measured quantities of the contents oi' the containers, said quantities measured according to standard units of measure, means for controlling the discharge of the containers, means operatively connected with themeasuring receptacle for causing automatic sequential opening and closing of the discharge center of the axis of the lever when closing said gate, and a stop for limiting the shifting of the l lever when the gate is closed.

30. In a measuring apparatus i'or discharging measured quantities of substance from each of a plurality of containers, 'storage containers, separate discharge control means for each oi.' the.

containers, separate means for separately controlling the last mentioned means to open and close said containers, and a measure regulating means associated with-the last mentioned means y for automatically actuating the same in such a lmanner that, after a predetermined quantity of substance is discharged from one container, a portion of the substance in another container is automatically discharged. l

31. In a measuring apparatus for discharging measured quantities of substance from each of a plurality of containers,l storage containers, separate discharge control means for each of thel containers, and a measure regulating means associated with the last mentioned means for automatically actuating the same in such a manner that, when one container is closed another is automatically opened.

3 2. In a measuring apparatus for discharging measured quantities. of substance from each of a plurality of containers, a plurality of containers, separate discharge control means for each of the containers, means for measuring the substance discharged from each of the containers and meansV associated with the last 4mentioned means for automatically opening each oi' said discharge, control means in sequence by and when the substance is discharged from the foregoing container in the sequence.

33. In a measuring apparatus, storage containers, discharge control means for each of the containers, measuring means, and means operatively connecting the latter with each of the former means for operating the discharge control means in proportion to the quantity registered by the measuring means, each of said connecting means being separately adjustable i'or adjusting the connection with the discharge control means and-thereby varying directly the desired quantity of substance discharged from the containers.

34. `In a measuring apparatus, storage containers, discharge gates for the containers, standard unit weighing scale means for weighing the substances discharged from said containers, said scale means having associated therewith adjustable contact means operatively connected with said gates and also provided with movable contact means movable in proportion tothe quantity of substance discharged from the respective containers and adapted to engage the adjustable contact means for controlling the gates of the respective containers, said adJustable contact means being adjustable for varying directly the desired amount of the substance to be discharged from the respective containers.

35. In an apparatus of the class described, a plurality of containers, means for controlling the discharge of said containers, means for measuring the substance discharged from said containers, and means for 'locking all but one at a time oi' the discharge control means until the designated amount offspbstance is discharged from.

said one container. l

36. lIn a measuring apparatus, storage con'- tainers, means for opening and closing eachA oi the containers', standard unit measure regulating means for automatically actuating said means for openingA and closing said contai ers in absolutely-predetermined sequence, an a receiver for receiving in said absolutely pr etermined sequence the measured substances of said containers. I

3'7. In a measuring apparatus, storage conthe containers, standard unit measure regulating means f or measuring the substances discharged from the containers, and means connecting the measuring means with the opening and closing tainers, means for opening and closing each of means for automatically actuating the latter for opening and closing said containers in absolutely predetermined sequence.

38. In a measuring apparatus, storage containers, separate discharge control means for each of the containers, a unitary dial scale means for measuring the substances discharged from the containers and having a movable member responsive to the amount of substance discharged from the containers and operatively connected to the separate discharge means for actuating the same.

39. In a measuring apparatus for discharging vmeasured quantities of substance from each of a plurality of containers, a plurality of containers, separate discharge control means for each oi' the containers, means for measuring the substance discharged from each of the containers, means associated with the last mentioned means for automatically opening each of said discharge control means in sequence by and when the substance is discharged from the foregoing container in the sequence, and means for adjusting the.

measuring means for discharging different quantities from each container.

40. In a measuring apparatus for discharging measured quantities of substance from each of a plurality of containers, a plurality of containers, separate discharge control means for each of the containers, means for measuring the substance discharged from each of the containers, means associated with the last mentioned mns for automatically sequentially opening and closing each of said discharge control means, and means for adjusting the measuring means for discharging diirerent quantities from each container. e l

41.1n a measuring apparatus, storage Acontainers, electric discharge control means for each container, measuring means for receiving material from said containers, adjustable contacts operatively connected in the circuit with the disc harge control means, including a movable contact responsive to said measuring means for operating the discharge control means in proportion to the quantity registered by the measuring means, said contacts being adjustable for vary` ing directly the desired quantity of substance discharged from the containers.

42. In an apparatus of the class described, a plurality of containers, means for controlling the discharge of the containers, means in association with the discharge control means of each container for locking the control means thereof, and means for releasing in predetermined order all of said locking means and actuating the discharge control means of each container.

43. In an apparatus of the class described, a plurality of containers, means for controlling the discharge of the containers, operative means for measuring the substance discharged from Asaid containers, and means inl association with discharge control means of each container for locking the control means thereof, and means in operative relation with the measuring means for releasing in predetermined order all of said locking means and actuating the discharge control means of each container in accordance with the operation of the measuring means.

44. In a measuring apparatus, storage containers, a measuring receptacle adapted vto receive measured quantities of the contents of the v separate control means by the positions of the regulating member. e

45. In a measuring apparatus, storage containers, a measuring receptacle adapted to receive measured quantities of the contents of the containers, separate means for' controlling the discharge of each of said containers, measurev regulating means operatively connected to the l measuring receptacle and controlled by the quantityy of substance in thereceptacle, and means operatively connecting the regulating means with each of the control means for regulating4 the separate control means throughthe regulating means by the quantity of substance in the receptacle.

46. In a measuring apparatus, storage containers, separate discharge gates for eachof the containers,va measuring `receptacleadapted to receive measured quantities of the' contents of the containers, separate means for controlling each of the gates, measure regulating means operatively connected to the measuring receptacle and controlled by the quantity of Ysubstance in the receptacle, and means operatively connecting the regulating means with each of the control means for the 4gates for controlling'the gates by the quantity oi.' substance in the receptacle. 

